Older Gen1 cars have some inherant issues. There were head gasket problems from factory, and many of them had a rebuilt engine installed under warrenty by Arrow. Also, gen1's are the most "basic" of all the cars. Side pipes, side curtains, no air (in most cases). They are also the lowest HP of all the vipers, but still some of the best roadster experiences out there! The side pipe system is much louder at speed than the 96+ rear exit system.
The 96 RT's were the crossover year, the generation 1.5 if you will. They are totaly unique to that model year. They had rear exit exhaust, but still side-curtain (slider type, MUCH better) and the Gen1 motor. The GTS for that year got the Gen2 motor, NACA ducts/vents, and a revised interior (rollup windows, new seats, dash, airbags, etc.)
I love my 96 because it's kinda the best of both worlds. You get 15hp extra from the rear exit exhaust, but it's still a roadster in the purest sense. No air bags, but they all had AC and the 5-spoke wheels. Also the only year for RT's in white, and the stripe combo is unique to the 96 only.
I personaly would take an newer car with higher milage than an earlier RT. Early RTs had motor problems, and these cars need to be run to keep them healthy.
As far as maintainence goes, try to get a car w/ a warentee (newer cars will have them). It's still a dodge, so it can be serviced a dealer (ask around for ones w/ good viper techs). Oil changes are like 16 bucks localy if you supply the oil and filter(or do it yourself). The rear tires are expensive, but there are alternatives to the pilot sports (kumho's for half the cost and seem to work well). Other than that, you'll spend money on mods and Zanio
Be aware that since 96 was the intro of the GTS, they command a slightly higher price than the 97/98 breeds (color scheme is a favorite among owners). RT's always seem to be a little less than the coupes. You have to decide what you want... open air or fully enclosed. the 97+ RT's had rollup windows and are better about not leaking. I have almost no leaking w/ my Hard top and Vmania windows in (highly recomend them!). Kinda the best of both worlds.. hard top when you want to be enclosed, top off when you want sun. 98 and up RT's have the NACA ducts like the coupes do.
Overall, any viper is a great car! Try to contact your local VCA members if you find a car, have one of them inspect if for you (or buy from a VCA member).
James
